This cruise allows you to experience more than just the highlights of the Galapagos' northern islands. Take an 8-day adventure and travel from beautiful Santa Cruz, to the red sands of Rabida, to the wildlife-rich environment on Genovesa, and everywhere in between. Walk across the shimmering black lava beds to view the amazing creatures that make their homes there. Snorkel, kayak, and become acquainted with the archipelago's endemic wildlife species.

Activities

Trip Type

Activity Level

Trip Snapshots

Day 1 Baltra | Santa Cruz Island | Black Turtle Cove | Embark

Arrive at the Baltra airport and transfer to the Celebrity Xperience, where the captain and crew welcome you aboard. Travel to Black Turtle Cove, one of the most beautiful marine sites with its complex maze of tranquil saltwater inlets. It is surrounded by three different species of mangrove and its waters are a nursery site for sea turtles, rays, and sharks. It is also a nesting site for sea birds. This is a site that is only accessible by panga.

Day 2 Rabida | Santiago

Rábida is a small island with red volcanic rocks surrounding a beautiful red sand beach. Here there is a colony of sea lions and a pelican nesting site. The trail leads to a salt water lagoon where you can view various types of shore birds. Rábida is considered to be one of the best snorkeling sites in the Galapagos Islands, so enjoy the opportunity to go snorkel, or if you prefer to kayak or take a panga ride, that is also available.

Puerto Egas (James Bay) is located on the northwest side of Santiago Island. The landing is on a black beach with eroded rock formations surrounding it. The trail crosses the dry interior where you pass the remains of a salt mining enterprise and then continues along the coast. Tidal pools are home to an abundant variety of invertebrate organisms, including sea urchins, octopus, and starfish. Have the chance to also see marine iguanas, finches, oystercatchers, and possibly the Galapagos hawk. There is a trail that leads to the fur sea lion grottos, one of the only places in the islands where the fur sea lion can be viewed. After the walk, take some time to swim or snorkel from the beach. This allows you the chance to see sea lions, various fish, and possibly turtles, rays, and reef sharks.

Day 3 Isabela | Fernandina

Tagus Cove was historically used as an anchoring place for pirates, buccaneers, and whalers. They would paint the names of their ships on the high ridges, a practice that is now forbidden. The names of hundreds of ships are left on these walls. Take a hike through an area of vegetation and the volcanic landscape of Darwin Volcano. At the top of the trail, enjoy an incredible view of the whole cove and Darwin Lake.

The early morning activity is followed by kayaking or a panga ride. This gives you the opportunity to see a large number of blue-footed boobies perched on the ledges of the cliffs. Also enjoy the chance to see marine iguanas, penguins, brown pelicans, brown noddy terns, and swallow-tailed gulls. While exploring the channel between Fernandina and Isabela Islands, an encounter with dolphins and whales is sometimes possible.

Fernandina Island is one of the most pristine and dynamic ecosystems in the entire world. La Cumbre Volcano last erupted in April 2009 and its lava flows dominate the landscape here all the way to the ocean. Punta Espinoza is a narrow piece of land where some of the most unique Galapagos species can be seen. These include the flightless cormorant, Galapagos snakes, marine iguanas, penguins and the Galapagos hawk.

Day 4 Isabela

Located in Western Isabela, Urbina Bay is at the foot of Alcedo volcano. After a wet landing on a breathtaking black sand beach, you may be able to observe sea turtle nesting sites. This area is also known for penguin and flightless cormorant sightings as well. It is also one of the best places to see Darwin’s finches and large land iguanas. Keep an eye out for Galapagos tortoises while on this excursion. They like to feed within the site’s dense vegetation.

Punta Vicente Roca is a fantastic snorkeling site, where you can usually see turtles as well as several varieties of fish. For those who do not snorkel, a panga ride gives you the opportunity to study some of the Galapagos’ spectacular geological rock formations. Nazca boobies, pelicans, swallow-tailed gulls, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, and penguins are often seen in the area.

Day 5 Santa Cruz Island | Charles Darwin Center

On your visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station gain insight into the great efforts being made by scientists, guides, rangers and park managers to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can view the tortoises at many stages of life. Newly-hatched tortoises average 3 inches long, while the adults can reach over 4 feet. This research station helps prepare these incredible creatures for reintroduction into their natural environment.

After the visit drive to the green highlands of Santa Cruz, where you visit a tortoise reserve. Take some time and search for giant tortoises in their natural surroundings. This is a leisurely afternoon.

Day 6 Genovesa

Genovesa, or Tower Island, is the northernmost island in the archipelago that is allowed to be visited by non-diving cruises. This island is extremely remote and home to literally millions of birds belonging to many different species. Amongst these species include the red-footed booby as well as frigates, swallow-tailed gulls, and even endemic owls.

El Barranco, also known as Prince Phillip’s Steps, is a steep path with stairs carved into the rock. This path leads to a plateau full of bird life amongst a Palo Santo forest. Some of the inhabitants include Nazca boobies, Galapagos doves, mockingbirds and petrels. With some luck, have a chance to spot a short-eared lava owl.

Darwin Bay’s soft, coralline white sand is only the beginning of this next spectacular excursion. A trail from the beach immerses you in lush mangroves where red-footed boobies nest. Other local inhabitants include sea lions, swallow-tail gulls, frigates, and more. Snorkeling is a must here as sharks, colorful reef fish, rays and tortoises are common.

Day 7 Bartolome | Santa Cruz Island

Bartolome is a small island with two visitor sites. Snorkel around Pinnacle Rock at the first where penguins are usually seen. Then take a short dinghy ride to a dry landing for a nice climb to the highest point on the island. Encounter different volcanic formations, including spatter and tuff cones, lava flow, and lava tubes on your way up. At the summit there is a wonderful view of Sullivan Bay. There is the option of enjoying a panga ride instead of taking the hike. This includes a chance to see sea lions, pioneer plants, reef sharks, rays, and colorful reef fish.

The name Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill) comes from the fact that it was one of the few sites on Santa Cruz Island where a very large population of land iguanas were found. Take a hike to a salt water lagoon behind the beach that is frequented by common stilts, pintail ducks, and occasionally flamingos. A short walk up the hill leads you to a land iguana nesting site. Also enjoy breathtaking views of the bay. Have an opportunity to enjoy a nice swim after the walk.

Day 8 Bachas Beach | Baltra | Disembark

1 Breakfast

Las Bachas Beach is located in the north of Santa Cruz Island and has incredible soft, white sand that is derived from decomposed coral. This makes this area a favorite nesting site for sea turtles. Behind the beach there is a small slightly salty lagoon. Here it is possible to observe flamingos and other coastal birds such as black-necked stilts and whimbrels. Disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight back to the mainland.

Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.

$5,500

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Deluxe Ocean View

12 staterooms located on the Main Deck, with porthole windows. The cabins have either a queen or twin bed arrangement, and all twin beds can be converted to king-size beds upon request. Private bath facilities with biodegradable toiletries and complimentary use of bathrobes.

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Premium Ocean View

8 staterooms located on the Boat Deck with picture windows. The cabins have either a queen or twin bed arrangement, and all twin beds can be converted to king-size beds upon request. Private bath facilities with biodegradable toiletries and complimentary use of bathrobes.

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Elite Ocean View

4 staterooms located on the Boat Deck, with large scenic windows and a complimentary one-time stocked minibar. The cabins have either a queen or twin bed arrangement, and all twin beds can be converted to king-size beds upon request. Private bath facilities with biodegradable toiletries and complimentary use of bathrobes.

Notes

- Cruise prices, Air tickets, National Park fee and TCT prices are subject to change without prior notice in the event of circumstances beyond our control
- In case of an increase in fuel prices, a fuel surcharge will apply
- Private transfers from Puerto Ayora to the airport in Baltra are available at an extra cost

Child Policies:
- On Family Departures children are accepted from the age of 4 years old onwards. On Non-Family Departures children are accepted from the age of 7 years old onwards
- Children booked in single cabin or in double cabin for single use pay the adult rate

Please Note:
- Gratuities and complimentary beverages such as wine and spirits are included on this cruise.
- Fares are capacity controlled and subject to change at anytime. Contact us for current rates.

Child Discount

25% discount for children under age 12 at time of Galapagos cruise, 15% discount for children between 12-16 years. Requires sharing a cabin with an adult and excludes Easter (March 19-26), Christmas (Dec 24-31) and New Year (Dec 31-Jan 07) cruises.

Children under 12 receive a discount of $135 off adult flight rates, and discounted Galapagos Entrance Fee of $50

Cancellation Policy

We Love to Talk Travel

This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).